RC Cat: “Really? Well, if that’s the case, you have to admit it would make a lovely mousie display piece. Perfect – like a tree with inhabitants. All the museums are going for natural surroundings.”

Staff: (Blocking the keyboard) “Please – it’s huge. Where would it fit? Besides open mousie displays do not fare well here. Too tempting for the dog and too hard to dust. No.”

“Branch”. A very large 3-D printed bronze sculpture holding a small version of itself on the top shelf. By Joris Laarman. More about the piece here.

RC CAT: (Large sigh) “Well, then, you might as well cancel the other item which seems to be large enough to cover that entire wall over there. Sad. We had planned entirely removed that irritating talking box. Better for your health. This delightful swirling Wall Wave was obviously intended as soothing mental exercise equipment. Like catnip for humans. Don’t say We never do anything nice for you.”

In front, a Vortex Bookcase. A screen of constantly moving, ever-changing waves and swirls in back.(Joris Laarman Lab)

Staff: “Oh, OK, mesmerizing, but as usual you neglected to read the fine print. People are supposed to watch the flowing image until they see the exact design they like. Then the image is paused to become the blueprint for a 3-D printer to create a totally unique bookcase.”

RC Cat: “Absurd. The flowing image is much more useful. Zen. Wavy furniture only make sense as a training device for Ninja Warrior Cat. Bookcases? You can read what you want into that. Anachronistic: hiding being behind the times with sculpture.”

Staff: “Hey, there are books. Have to go somewhere. What’s the problem?”

RC Cat: “Where is that blood pressure lowering Wave Wall when it’s needed! Scary things are better when smaller, so they can be tucked out of sight until daylight and courage return. Like The Bone Curse. Terrifying and it’s not even Halloween.”

Staff: “Bone curse? RC, are you feeling achy or something?”

RC Cat: “Bonehead! It’s summer, vacation time. People are visiting odd, old places – dangerous places – without realizing what they do. Like the kids in the cave. They would get it! Nothing like shared experience to intensify the terror. What are you doing? Put Us down. We do not require medical attention, but you may soon, if you do not release Us. You will be cursed! Especially if you miss this opportunity:”

Staff: “Oh, blogger Carrie Rubin’s most recent scary book. Yeah, you’re right – it would be frightful to miss out on that deal. Word of warning, keeping that book by your bed at night is seriously asking for nightmares. It all starts in an ancient Paris catacomb during a vacation…”

RC Cat: “NO! Speak no more of scary undergoundness! But before you let the computer go dark, could We consider that lovely, large not-a-cat-tree item for the garden? Think how lovely it would be as a bird restaurant…even as an entertaining squirrel stage? No? It would fit perfectly where that Queen palm died. Just consider it. We shall continue this discussion later. Now We must go inventory Our store of tributes…In case there is a social cave-in…you know, like a drive-in only not moving or like a sit-in with more elegance, a grand soiree in the dark. Yes, yes. Summer always bring such surprises….like the large box UPS will be delivering….Once it is clawed up, it cannot be returned. Au revoir. Must do my nails.”

Staff: “Hello? UPS? Hold?” (Sigh)

Life in the Realm.

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

Avoid a cat shopping online, but check out Carrie’s book – Don’t try to read it alone in the dark!!!

RC Cat:” Yes, We advanced species should be given freedom of the internet. Starting with more paw friendly keyboard! Better: voice recognition software that is multipetlingual! Thanks and Paws up, pups!”

Yep, sounds familiar. We are required to have a steady stream of boxes delivered or they will “help” us with the ordering. Where would be put a ton of catnip? BTW we have bird restaurants hanging in our yard. Fortunately all the cats are now indoor only so they are safe to order martinis and not worry about the flight home.

We used to have several bird restaurants outdoors until invaded by bad mannered rowdies: not nice mice and those loud black Grackles – none of the other birds liked the pushy grackles and the various flocks would periodically band together and run them off. The squirrels and the mice started battles until one neighbor got annoyed and put out rat poison on their fence’s top cross bar – that Molly ended up grabbing when it got dropped on the ground during a mouse escaping multiple bird dives.
RC has never been fond of loutish behavior and disapproved loudly of the 2 outdoor cats that lived on either side of us. One she was sure was a robot cat and the other was far too friendly with staff…She insists cats are always polite at diners and quietly take turns…she says lots of things….the vast army of lizards keep her entertained when the butterflies/dragonflies aren’t visiting plants outside her viewing spots…but a waterfall would be entertaining and inviting for interesting visitors…
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So, is it a tribute to paper books, or to vortexes… my problem with book cases was that always there wasn’t enough room for books, and that was without the vortex…so I assume it’s a tribute to the other. And if we’re going to put something on the tail of a vortex… or on it’s way to… what about an innocent surfer thinking he or she’s approaching a thrill, or if on the the tail, I would suggest a miniature statue of Rc cat staring in the opposite direction, as if he’d already been there and done that…

It’s always a word buffet here – lots of options to consider HAHA Always like to pass along book promotions on titles I’ve read and liked. Carrie crafts stories well. Lots of inside knowledge of the medical world, too.
Never enough bookcases! While the swooping design on one end is pretty, hard to cram books in there – might be fun with kids…for rolling marbles or small cars…habitats for small toy animals or dinosaurs. More of a toy box/bookcase?
Most of all I’d love that rolling video of waves and swirls – wouldn’t mind having that on the entire wall – like a giant updated version of those old oceans in a bottle made of oil, water, and a little food coloring – you had to rock that back and forth yourself…which the cat would probably consider a waste of Staff’s time. Yes, cats are already accomplished looking at infinity and universal truth in the empty corner…they despair humans cannot seem to get it.
Thanks for surfing in with a swirling comment

What a nice surprise to find this morning. Thank you so much for mentioning my book promo! I’m honored, and it’s much appreciated. So much so that I might have to get “that lovely, large not-a-cat-tree item for the garden” for RC Cat. 😁

Glad you enjoyed the whimsy.
Even RC Cat stayed up snuggled close while I read your book. It’s a great tale. So real with characters that are there because they are the story not just decoration. Hope your promo is a success (which will poke you to get the next episode going HAHA)
RC Cat appreciates your thoughtfulness, but says she is pleased to be a patron to worthy authors. (Just humor her, she won’t ask you to do reading for her book club…walk away..walk aways quickly…)
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That swirling blue is pretty mesmerizing and doesn’t repeat. It would be great on a long wall…and down the hall…maybe RC would get some exercise chasing the curls as they roll. Then maybe we could actually have objects out on shelves or table. Will forward your request. Thanks for drifting in with the waves

RC wants to know if she can use your address for delivery..oh, wait, that was your address for the charge and delivery bill…item would be shipped as a “gift” to the Realm. (Staff out of consideration will hide your contact information from her. HAHA)
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EC Cat is all about creative thinking…and exercise equipment – she insisted on that last part…says “exercise clears the head for better results.” (A regal nod sent in your direction)
Thanks for turning all the pages

She often talks about the fine art of living…we just didn’t know it extended to exercise equipment…
The not-cat-furniture is quite beautiful with a sleek coppery color. In a museum setting with such lighting, the size of it doesn’t look overwhelming- it is huge but delicate. Would be nice to work in a museum – see all that elegance every day and not have to dust or insure it. (Things RC dismisses as not important HAHA)
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It’s practical, too! So RC Cat insists: Display ledges, pet perches (although for dogs it might need to be anchored to wall and floor), serving buffet for parties – and think how it could be dressed up for holidays like Halloween!
Perhaps outdoors due to the size…
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